SuitSat-1 launch

On Friday, SuitSat-1, made from a worn-out Russian space suit, was tossed into orbit from the International Space Station. The satellite's mission is to transmit a signal over FM frequency 145.990 MHz to ham radio operators around the world. The signal from SuitSat-1 was thought to be lost after two orbits but was picked up again on Sunday, according to a ham radio-tracking site.

instruments

SuitSat-1 is believed to be the first "do it yourself" satellite. Parts were sent on space station resupply missions and stuffed into an old spacesuit. SuitSat-1 could last in orbit up to six weeks.

SuitSat-1

Here's a look at SuitSat-1 after it was stuffed and prepared for launch. Note the controls and antenna on the helmet, and the handle at the waist for the astronaut to hurl the satellite into its own orbit.

better days

In its better days, the Russian Orlan spacesuit was worn by ISS astronaut Mike Finke during a spacewalk in 2004.

SuitSat-1

Here's a look at SuitSat-1 after it was stuffed and prepared for launch. Note the controls and antenna on the helmet, and the handle at the waist for the astronaut to hurl the satellite into its own orbit.

Bill Detwiler is Managing Editor for ZDNet's sister site TechRepublic Pro and the host of Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. He was most recently Head Technology Editor for TechRepublic. Prior to joining TechRepublic in 2000, Bill was an IT manager and desktop support technician in the social research and energy i...
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